Measure to put fantasy sports betting on ballot advances

Maryland voters would decide whether to allow daily fantasy sports betting, under a bill moving forward in the legislature.

The Senate gave preliminary approval to two measures Tuesday.

One would put the matter on the November ballot. The second would put into law an attorney general’s opinion that such betting is illegal, unless voters approve.

States have been grappling with fast-growing fantasy sports betting. It allows people to deposit money in accounts and create fantasy rosters by selecting real players. They then compete to win money against other contestants based on their players’ performances.

The issue has been complicated in Maryland, because lawmakers legalized fantasy betting in 2012. However, that measure was tailored to apply to small social groups that play all season – not companies like DraftKings and FanDuel.